to avoid the fiscal cliff. but the leaders and the president are still trying. >> i'm modestly optimistic that an agreement can be achieved. let's make sure that middle class families and the american economy and in fact the world economy isn't adversely impacted because people can't do their jobs. >> reporter: harry reid and mitch mccono agreed to spend the weekend working on a fall back plan that can pass both chambers of congress. >> some people will not like it, but that's where we are. >> reporter: president obama is pushing for a stop gap measure that would at least avoid tax increases on people earning less than $250,000. frustration is growing. a simple stop gap percent is not what men -- measure is not what many in washington hoped for. many blame president obama for the collapse of a bigger deal that would reduce spending and cut the country's debt. >> it is the president's responsibility to lay out a plan and to bring people together. >> house members don't get back here tonight sunday night. >>> pre